Jane Antoniak joins Lakehead University as Associate Vice-President, Communications and Marketing and takes on leadership of the Communications and Media Relations, Marketing Support, and Web Development portfolios. A proud Northener, Jane is excited to return to her hometown of Thunder Bay.

A respected communications leader and educator, Jane’s career is marked by a deep commitment to advancing the field of public relations and communications management. She is the owner of a private communications consultancy and currently serves as the President of the Canadian Public Relations Society (CPRS) Board of Directors. Jane brings significant experience in institutional communications, notably her tenure as Director of Communications and Media Relations at King’s University College at Western University. She began her career as a national journalist working across television, print, and digital media.

Jane’s commitment to professional development and education is reflected in her work as an instructor at Fanshawe College and McMaster University, where she taught strategic public relations within their post-graduate programs and helped prepare the next generation of communications professionals. In addition, she has a Master of Communications Management degree from McMaster University/Syracuse University, and is Accredited in Public Relations (APR).

Her genuine enthusiasm for engaging with community makes her exceptionally well-suited to the role, positioning her to build strong relationships that will advance Lakehead's reputation and deepen its impact across our regions. An active volunteer, Jane has served as a board member at London’s Boler Mountain, a past board member with CPRS Hamilton (Accreditation Chair), and a life-member of the Optimist Club. In 2025, she volunteered in Thunder Bay at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts curling championships in the youth engagement program.

Jane believes strongly in the mission, vision and values of Lakehead University and looks forward to being part of Lakehead’s continued growth and success.

Her first day at Lakehead will be Monday, August 24.